School bus safety measures are being stepped up in Carmarthenshire after a young girl was injured in the county.

School bus safety measures are being stepped up in Carmarthenshire after a young girl was injured in the county.

Pupils are being urged to wear seat belts following the recent incident, when the girl suffered injuries after her school bus braked suddenly.

A full investigation is now being carried out.

Safety on school buses has been under the national spotlight since an accident in December 2002 when 12-year-old Cowbridge Comprehensive pupils Stuart Cunningham-Jones died after the bus he was travelling in crashed into a tree.

A number of measures have been implemented in Carmarthenshire - which is one of only three local authorities in Wales to supply seat belts on dedicated school contract buses.

But the law does not enforce the wearing of seatbelts so transport chiefs are calling on pupils and parents to hammer the safety message home.

Transport executive board member Pam Palmer said, "It is essential that all pupils wear seatbelts on every journey.

"It could prevent a child being injured and is in the interests of everyone travelling on school buses."

The council has drawn up a Code of Practice which has been circulated to every schoolchild and bus operator.

The authority is looking at a pilot CCTV system on school buses to encourage more pupils to wear seatbelts and to promote good behaviour.

Carmarthenshire is also supporting a move with several other local authorities to produce a video for schools which shows the impact of pupil behaviour on safety in vehicles.

Transport manager Steve Pilliner said, "We are looking at all options regarding safety on the buses and are now piloting a CCTV system which might be an effective method of promoting good pupil behaviour on vehicles."